Homeschooling a Child with an IEP in North Carolina
What happens to your child's special education services when you homeschool in North Carolina, and how to reach the services that remain available.
What happens to your child's services
North Carolina treats a registered home school as a private school, so your local district must evaluate your child and counts your child for a share of federal special education funds. Your child may be offered some services under a services plan, but there is no right to the services in the IEP unless you enroll in public school.
Primary source: NC Policies Governing Services for Children with Disabilities, NC 1501-6.1 to 1501-6.8; N.C.G.S. 115C-592
How to access services while homeschooling
Child Find evaluation
The district where your registered home school is located must locate, identify and evaluate children with disabilities enrolled in it. You may also request an evaluation from the district where your child resides.
How to request: Send a written request for an evaluation to your local school district's Exceptional Children program.
NC 1501-6.2(a); 34 CFR 300.111
Equitable services (IDEA proportionate share)
North Carolina's special education policies recognize registered home schools as private schools (NC 1501-6.1), so your child is counted for the district's share of federal funds and may be offered services under a services plan. There is no individual right to services (NC 1501-6.8).
How to request: The district decides which services to provide after consulting with private school and parent representatives. If your child is selected, the district develops a services plan with you.
NC 1501-6.1; NC 1501-6.8; 34 CFR 300.130-300.144
Dual enrollment for services
Not provided by state law. DNPE says part-time enrollment for a student of compulsory attendance age is permissible only if the local school's officials allow it, and each district may have different policies.
Before you withdraw
- 1
Request complete copies of all IEP documents, evaluations, and progress reports before you withdraw.
- 2
Consider requesting an IEP meeting to discuss the transition. This is optional.
- 3
File your homeschool notice as your state requires. Our wizard prepares it for you.
- 4
Arrange any private therapies or services your child needs before withdrawal takes effect.
Keep copies of all IEP documents, evaluations, and progress reports. You'll need them if you re-enroll.
Special education help
COPAA
copaa.org · Find a special education attorney near you
Wrightslaw
wrightslaw.com · Special education law encyclopedia
Education savings available
North Carolina offers Opportunity Scholarship. See eligibility and amounts
Common questions
What happens to my child's IEP when I start homeschooling in North Carolina?
Can my child still get special education help from the school if we homeschool in North Carolina?
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Start the North Carolina wizardRequirements sourced from N.C.G.S. 115C-547 through 115C-565. Last reviewed October 2026